Welcome To The Caribbean, Love ~ Updated 5-27 P52

I'm here too! A little late, but wanted to say hey. I guess I've never said it to you, as I don't tend to post all that often, but I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how tough it's been for you and your whole family. 55 is MUCH too young.

Congrats, too, on your little Squirt!! I am sure his arrival has been a wonderful blessing, and perhaps even a little distraction and a repository for all that love you have to give. I remember those days with two little ones, and yes, it is exhausting! Just know it gets better. Eventually. :rolleyes: And then you will look back on these days and only remember all the fun stuff. Like this upcoming trip for example!!! :banana:

Woo Hoo on the Wilderness Lodge! I'm thrilled that you will be staying in your favorite place, and I know it will make the trip all that more special.

Looking forward to hearing about all your plans!!
 
TK, I would love to stay at the Wilderness Lodge someday. You and the boys (including MJS there) will absolutely love it!
 
Ahhh, the WL. Such a beautiful resort and so close to MK. :cloud9: I hope that AP rate comes out and is a GOOD one!!!
 
So we're going from Saturday, February 26th to Thursday, March 3. It's nice that we're going until Thursday now because we'll be able to see the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, which I believe starts on March 2. And that makes me happy because the last time I went to Disney with Tink was for Flower and Garden Festival, so it feels like there's a poetic justice in that.

:love:


To make a long story short, this is my first time traveling during peak season in many, many moons. And actually, I've never been to Disney in February, which is kind of nice. I don't have any specific memories tied to this month, just the destination.

So, since it's peak season, the hotel rooms are pricey! :lmao: This is coming from a woman who's traveled pretty much exclusively during value season and longs with a passion for the days when she used to get a 50% off cast member discount.

No. Kidding. ...... Dude, I priced out a CAMPSITE to see if there was any way I could watch Tink cross that finish line..... $78 per night to "rent" a patch of sand with a hose and an outlet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:scared1::scared1::scared1:

No, no.....not happening! :sad2: I just won't pay that for a tent site. It's ridiculous.


I think that's enough rambling for today, don't you?

So in the tradition of LegoMom,

The TK Clan
In the Wilderness Lodge
For 6 Days, 5 Nights
With Free Dining​

;)

Well, no on the rambling, but :flower3: on the mention!

You're doing a great job with these posts, hon. Keep it up as you are able!

.
 


I'm thinking that there will be discounts out for at least the week of 2/27 to 3/6 (which happens to me my week). Looking at the park hours resort bookings must be low because the parks are not open very late that week. Here's to hoping!:wizard:

I wish you were staying to Friday so I could hang out with you at Epcot Thursday night (EMH).
 
As I am sitting here and reading your post (snacking on the Poor Man's Junkie Apple -- apple slices and caramel sauce ;)), I have come to a conclusion. I don't think there is ever any way to emotionally prepare yourself for losing a parent. I just don't know how one would even go about doing that. :hug:

The Wilderness Lodge is a perfect choice for you and your boys! Like Crissy said, there will be a sense of comfort in returning to one of your favorite resorts. :goodvibes
 
:hug::hug: Another wonderful update!! I have to completely agree with Jackie I don't think you can ever be prepared to lose someone you love!!! :hug::hug: I'm glad though you are sharing your trip with just like you would have with her!! I love that you are staying at WL! That resort just looks and sounds amazing! I'm so going to have to get over there someday and explore a bit (I also have to make a wish at a certain fountain for the future :rolleyes1)!! You and your boys are going to have an amazing time!
 


I just wanted to say thank you. so much.
I haven't been on the DIS in months because I haven't had an upcoming trip planned for over a year. Lately, though, my mom and I have been talking about going back to disney soon! so i wandered back to this site to check stuff out. about a year ago i read your entire "pirates life for three" trip report and just loved it. on this lazy saturday night i was looking at my old subscriptions and read through 2 of your entire trip reports. And reading them is more enjoyable to me than reading any book could ever be.
First of all, you are an excellent writer. the way you write just takes me on the adventure with you. It's good to get away from the craziness here for a while to read about your experiences.
Second of all, congratulations on your new baby! that was such a surprise when i got to that part of the story and it was such great news :) i hope everything continues to go well with him! he sounds like an absolute joy.
third, i wanted to say i'm SO sorry about the loss of your mother. reading the posts about that literally made me tear up. i'm so so so sorry :( i am going to keep you and your family in my prayers because your story really touched my heart.
This summer i've gone through my first dose of heartbreak and i've been really hung up on it. But reading this has made me realize that what i went through really was not that important in the big scheme of things. i'm realizing i need to concentrate on what i DO have. and i need to live each day to the fullest. thank you for reestablishing this in my mind.
and i also just wanted to say that i love the way that you completely adore your husband. i think that is absolutely adorable and i'm hoping i find and marry someone like that some day. That, in itself, is living a dream come true. you are very lucky.
and also, the way that you love your children, family, and the simple moments of spending time together is a thing to be admired as well. you seem to have such a good outlook on life, in times of happiness or sadness, and you deserve great things. i hope you have a wonderful trip to wilderness lodge when you go :) i can tell you absolutely LOVE that resort and i think using that extra dose of happiness right now is an excellent idea.
sorry this post is sort of out of no where, but i just wanted to let you know how much i appreciate your posts and how your story has touched me.
thank you :)
 
What a beautiful,heartbreaking,inspiring PTR. As Tim said many of us have lost parents in the ;ast year or so. I had always wanted to take my Mom to Disney but was never able-I did tweet to her alone on our May 09 trip. I reached for my phone countless times on our May 10 trip. I think the WL will provide you a sense of comfort. Thank you very much for sharing your journey with us.
 
I need to just link back to your report every time I post these days because you (and everyone else here) are such an inspiration to me. I love that you've been able to deal with things and use them to learn. I truly believe that is what are supposed to do in our lives. Thank you for being you!
 
Kat, I am loving your ptr.
I cannot even imagine how difficult it is to lose a parent. I appreciate how open you are to discuss your feelings. It's helped me talk to a friend who lost her dad on 9/13. It has changed her life. Thank you for helping me be a better friend :goodvibes

Ohh you're going to have so much fun at the WL! Nemo will have a totally different perspective on Disney now that he's 5. It's amazing how Disney changes for kids as they get older. My nephew definitely knows now, at 6, what he likes and what he doesn't. During his first trip at 3, he was just along for the ride.

Can't wait to read more!
 
I'm so happy that you are staying at Wilderness Lodge, I know how much you have enjoyed WL in the past. I think it's a very good choice.

The Wilderness Lodge is like home to us. :goodvibes

Hi TK. Now that I am done wiping away my tears, I can comment. I am so missing my family right and while I don't know what you are going through. I do miss that I can't just pick up the phone and call my mom (due to my dad's job they are unreachable for a period of time) or just go visit with her. My mom wanted to be called Mimi but dd just started calling her Nana and it stuck. Sorry to go off on a rabbit trail but what I am trying to say is that your post made me teary for you and your family and a little bit for me and the fact that I am missing my family but my mom the most.

I am so glad you are staying at WL. I remember how you loved it when you were on your Pirates Life for Three trip. I really want to stay there some day.

You're not on a rabbit trail, you're just fine. :hug: I completely understand how you feel.

WL sounds like it's the perfect choice for this trip. Your going to need a sense of comfort even through this.

Definitely, comfort is key.

I'm here too! A little late, but wanted to say hey. I guess I've never said it to you, as I don't tend to post all that often, but I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how tough it's been for you and your whole family. 55 is MUCH too young.

Thank you very much. It's been a terrible loss and I appreciate your kind words.

Congrats, too, on your little Squirt!! I am sure his arrival has been a wonderful blessing, and perhaps even a little distraction and a repository for all that love you have to give. I remember those days with two little ones, and yes, it is exhausting! Just know it gets better. Eventually. :rolleyes: And then you will look back on these days and only remember all the fun stuff. Like this upcoming trip for example!!! :banana:

Thank you! I love my little Squirt. He's a joy. An absolute joy, and such a relaxed baby. I really am blessed.

Woo Hoo on the Wilderness Lodge! I'm thrilled that you will be staying in your favorite place, and I know it will make the trip all that more special.

Looking forward to hearing about all your plans!!

I love the Wilderness Lodge. Every time I've thought of booking another resort, I think no way. We're meant to stay there.

TK, I would love to stay at the Wilderness Lodge someday. You and the boys (including MJS there) will absolutely love it!

It's a beautiful resort!

Ahhh, the WL. Such a beautiful resort and so close to MK. :cloud9: I hope that AP rate comes out and is a GOOD one!!!

I do love the closeness to MK, because with little ones, we have plans to spend the most time there.

No. Kidding. ...... Dude, I priced out a CAMPSITE to see if there was any way I could watch Tink cross that finish line..... $78 per night to "rent" a patch of sand with a hose and an outlet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:scared1::scared1::scared1:

No, no.....not happening! :sad2: I just won't pay that for a tent site. It's ridiculous.

Yes, it's crazy. I'm not used to it at all, having gone in value season pretty much exclusively for the past several years.

Well, no on the rambling, but :flower3: on the mention!

:goodvibes

You're doing a great job with these posts, hon. Keep it up as you are able!

.

Thank you. I had a bit of a meltdown after I finished the last one and emotionally processed it.

This pre trip report is going to be really hard.

I'm thinking that there will be discounts out for at least the week of 2/27 to 3/6 (which happens to me my week). Looking at the park hours resort bookings must be low because the parks are not open very late that week. Here's to hoping!:wizard:

We'll throw in a little pixiedust: for good measure!

I wish you were staying to Friday so I could hang out with you at Epcot Thursday night (EMH).

Well... :rolleyes1

As I am sitting here and reading your post (snacking on the Poor Man's Junkie Apple -- apple slices and caramel sauce ;)), I have come to a conclusion. I don't think there is ever any way to emotionally prepare yourself for losing a parent. I just don't know how one would even go about doing that. :hug:

:rotfl2: That's too funny, Jackie!

And you're right. I don't think there is a way to prepare yourself to lose someone that close to you. Because any way you slice it, I will never have another mom. You only get one.

The Wilderness Lodge is a perfect choice for you and your boys! Like Crissy said, there will be a sense of comfort in returning to one of your favorite resorts. :goodvibes

:goodvibes

:hug::hug: Another wonderful update!! I have to completely agree with Jackie I don't think you can ever be prepared to lose someone you love!!! :hug::hug: I'm glad though you are sharing your trip with just like you would have with her!! I love that you are staying at WL! That resort just looks and sounds amazing! I'm so going to have to get over there someday and explore a bit (I also have to make a wish at a certain fountain for the future :rolleyes1)!! You and your boys are going to have an amazing time!

You should go over and explore the WL, it's a lot of fun! You know you can ask at the lobby desk for the info packet that gives you hints about where the Hidden Mickeys are, apparently there's a TON in the lobby and surrounding areas. :thumbsup2
 
I just wanted to say thank you. so much.
I haven't been on the DIS in months because I haven't had an upcoming trip planned for over a year. Lately, though, my mom and I have been talking about going back to disney soon! so i wandered back to this site to check stuff out. about a year ago i read your entire "pirates life for three" trip report and just loved it. on this lazy saturday night i was looking at my old subscriptions and read through 2 of your entire trip reports. And reading them is more enjoyable to me than reading any book could ever be.
First of all, you are an excellent writer. the way you write just takes me on the adventure with you. It's good to get away from the craziness here for a while to read about your experiences.

Thank you. From the very bottom of my heart, I thank you. I've gotten compliments on my writing, but I am just blown away by how much you enjoy what I've done, and that means the world to me.

I really should write a book. :lmao:

Second of all, congratulations on your new baby! that was such a surprise when i got to that part of the story and it was such great news :) i hope everything continues to go well with him! he sounds like an absolute joy.
third, i wanted to say i'm SO sorry about the loss of your mother. reading the posts about that literally made me tear up. i'm so so so sorry :( i am going to keep you and your family in my prayers because your story really touched my heart.

Thank you! Squirt is an awesome baby, and I'm very blessed. Between him, Nemo, and MJS, my life is full. :goodvibes

And thank you for your condolences. I'm afraid you'll need more kleenex for this pre trip report because there's definitely more mom talk to come. :goodvibes

This summer i've gone through my first dose of heartbreak and i've been really hung up on it. But reading this has made me realize that what i went through really was not that important in the big scheme of things. i'm realizing i need to concentrate on what i DO have. and i need to live each day to the fullest. thank you for reestablishing this in my mind.

I want to tell you, and it may sound cliche, but lately, if I'm having a rough moment, whether it be thinking about my mom, or Nemo acting up, or Squirt crying because he won't let me put him down (ALL. DAY. LONG. LOL), I think:

This too shall pass.

This too shall pass.

And I keep thinking it until I feel calmer, and you know what? It's true. I can think of so many times in my life when I felt that it would never get better, that I was at my absolute worst, that there was just no point anymore, how could I possibly go on this way?

And you know what?

That time passes. And it gets better. And that's just life. It's up, it's down, it's in, it's out, it's right, it's wrong. And it wouldn't be life if it wasn't so. Because we'd never appreciate how good we have it if we didn't have to lose something along the way.

and i also just wanted to say that i love the way that you completely adore your husband. i think that is absolutely adorable and i'm hoping i find and marry someone like that some day. That, in itself, is living a dream come true. you are very lucky.

I love him! He can be a really pita sometimes, but he's my pita, and I love him. :thumbsup2

and also, the way that you love your children, family, and the simple moments of spending time together is a thing to be admired as well. you seem to have such a good outlook on life, in times of happiness or sadness, and you deserve great things. i hope you have a wonderful trip to wilderness lodge when you go :) i can tell you absolutely LOVE that resort and i think using that extra dose of happiness right now is an excellent idea.
sorry this post is sort of out of no where, but i just wanted to let you know how much i appreciate your posts and how your story has touched me.
thank you :)

There's nothing more important to me right now than my family and friends. Nothing. Losing my mom has taught me what life is really about, at least for me.

Again, thank you for your kind words. Knowing that I've touched someone the way you spoke of really makes my day. And makes me a little misty as well.
 
What a beautiful,heartbreaking,inspiring PTR. As Tim said many of us have lost parents in the ;ast year or so. I had always wanted to take my Mom to Disney but was never able-I did tweet to her alone on our May 09 trip. I reached for my phone countless times on our May 10 trip. I think the WL will provide you a sense of comfort. Thank you very much for sharing your journey with us.

Thank you. It's true, there's been a lot of loss in this group lately.

I won't lie, I was at my parent's yesterday, and even though MJS and I had just been out to lunch and talking about my mom being gone, when I walked in the house, I almost called out for her.

I need to just link back to your report every time I post these days because you (and everyone else here) are such an inspiration to me. I love that you've been able to deal with things and use them to learn. I truly believe that is what are supposed to do in our lives. Thank you for being you!

I'm thrilled that you think I'm able to deal with things. I have to tell you, some days are not so great. Some days I'm not just sad, I'm really, really angry, and that's a hugely uncomfortable feeling for me. But, I'm working on it, and that's all I can do.

I'm still here for you, any time you need it. :hug:

Kat, I am loving your ptr.
I cannot even imagine how difficult it is to lose a parent. I appreciate how open you are to discuss your feelings. It's helped me talk to a friend who lost her dad on 9/13. It has changed her life. Thank you for helping me be a better friend :goodvibes

Good lord, you're welcome. You all are just so full of compliments, I had no idea that this ptr would actually help people, you know? :goodvibes

Ohh you're going to have so much fun at the WL! Nemo will have a totally different perspective on Disney now that he's 5. It's amazing how Disney changes for kids as they get older. My nephew definitely knows now, at 6, what he likes and what he doesn't. During his first trip at 3, he was just along for the ride.

Can't wait to read more!

Actually, Nemo will be 6 when we go! His birthday is in February. Can you believe how much they change over the years? I know you know because you've seen it with your nephew, how they go from being along for the ride to having actual opinions and favorite rides...oh, it's so cool, it really is.
 
WL sounds just perfect for this trip! I adore that lobby. :goodvibes So much exploring for your boys to do. I didn't realize there was a package available at the desk with tips on mickey hunting. I think there is also a daily free tour. Wish I'd known that when I was there. Oh well, just a reason to return!

Don't forget to rub Humphrey's nose and toss some coins into the fountain! :upsidedow
 
WL sounds just perfect for this trip! I adore that lobby. :goodvibes So much exploring for your boys to do. I didn't realize there was a package available at the desk with tips on mickey hunting. I think there is also a daily free tour. Wish I'd known that when I was there. Oh well, just a reason to return!

Yes, I'd forgotten about the tour! The lodge is really a great place to spend a rainy day if you don't want to go traipsing through a park. :thumbsup2

Don't forget to rub Humphrey's nose and toss some coins into the fountain! :upsidedow

Will do! :goodvibes
 
Marlin: There was this mollusk, and he walks up to this sea cucumber. Normally, they don't talk, sea cucumbers, but in a joke everyone talks. So the sea mollusk says to the cucumber...
[sees the mask]
Marlin: Nemo!
Chum: [laughing] Nemo! Ha ha! Nemo... I don't get it.
Bruce: For a clown fish, he's not that funny.




We're going to take a little break here. A little break from planning, a little break from mourning (if that's possible), and a little break from it all, while I regale you with some of the TK clan moments of levity.

The moments that happen during a trip that you least expect, moments that make you laugh, make you smile, and may even induce a little tear in the eye...but in a good way.

Whenever this pre trip report starts to get a little too weepy, I'm going to through in some of these anecdotes for your general amusement...and so that I can remember there's good in life, even through my sadness.

We begin with a trip which was just myself and MJS, pre-kids. This story is shortly told. MJS and I were on the monorail, sitting across from another couple who were there with their kids. It was either August or September, so pretty hot outside, and boy was it a relief to be inside that nice cool monorail.

We settle down for a little ride, not really talking much, and obviously, not staring at, but seeing the people across from us...

suddenly, the mom takes the bottom of her shirt to wipe off her sunglasses.

Now normally, this wouldn't be an issue, right? I mean, we all do it, and I have no problems with that, sometimes those glasses just get too dirty and they need a good cleaning?

Except that this mom had chosen to wear on this particularly hot day a tank top.

With a shelf bra.

And nothing else.

So when she lifted up her shirt to clean her glasses, let's just say that MJS and I may have gotten a little flash of the goods, so to speak.

:eek:

I'm not a prude. I'd be quite hypocritical if I were offended, as I have a BFA in Painting and have taken several drawing and painting classes involving nude models. This was actually the majority of my thesis in college, but there's a difference between seeing a naked body in a classroom setting when you're expecting it and seeing a random flashing on a Disney monorail.

As a matter of fact, I had to try so hard not to start laughing, because even though she'd done that, she didn't even realize it! And MJS and I were the only people that saw it, because her family was distracted with other things.

I looked at him sort of out of the corner of my eye, and he looked at me and we quickly looked away.

We were in danger of bursting out laughing, and were trying SO hard to hold it in. Because, let's face it. I may talk a really eloquent game here, but throw in a random flashing or a little bathroom humor, and I giggle like a school girl.

Honestly. I once did an internship were we used to watch Three Stooges reruns while we were working, and my mentor said to me, I don't get it, women never like these! :lmao: I grew up watching them with my dad. :goodvibes Who also took me to see Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Bogus Journey in theaters. Because Dad and I are cool like that, savvy?

I digress.

As soon as the family departed the monorail, I looked at MJS and said, did she just...and he said, did you just...and I said...I think so, and we promptly lost it.

Bless her. It still gives me a good chuckle.

A cautionary tale, ladies! If you're wearing a tank top with only a shelf bra, "easy on the goods, love!" pirate:
 
LOL!! Well that is definitely not something you see everyday let alone on the monorail at Disney!!! :rotfl:

Thanks for sharing!! This made me giggle like a little school girl too!!!!!!
 

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